Pilot Training Grants or Scholarships

Written by kimberly wylie

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A pilot can obtain a variety of certifications. (aeroplane image by Grigoriev Vitalii from Fotolia.com)

A wide range of pilot training programs are available. Those wishing to fly can work to obtain their private, sport, recreational, instrument-rated, certified flight instructor (CFI), commercial, designated pilot examiner and airline transport pilot certificates. These certificates never expire and are good until surrendered or revoked. No matter which certificate a person trains for, testing involves ground school, flight time, oral and written examination and flight test. For this reason, many flight students look for grants or scholarships to offset the costs.

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Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is typically awarded to undergraduate students enrolled at an accredited school. Many universities and community colleges offer aviation programs that qualify for Pell Grant funding. For the 2010-2011 award year, the maximum Pell Grant awarded is £3,607. However, the amount awarded is based on financial need, the educational costs and the student's status as a full- or part-time student. Funds from the Pell Grant can be applied directly to the school's costs, paid directly to the student or a combination of these two options. The school must distribute Pell Grant funds at least once per term or twice per academic year if the school doesn't use traditional terms. To apply, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Aero Club of New England

The Aero Club of New England (ACONE) offers scholarships as a means of supporting careers in aviation. Scholarships are awarded annually and are based on merit and need. Students must be interested in pursuing a professional aviation career and be American citizens living full time in New England. They must be at least 16 years old and have a current medical certificate. Flight training must be taken at a New England facility doing business as a flight school. Scholarship awards are up to £3,250 per year.

Boeing Undergraduate Scholarships

Boeing offers undergraduate scholarships for those students pursuing a career in aviation and attending one of the universities and colleges Boeing partners with. These schools include

Alabama A&M University Atlanta Consortium (Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University ) California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo California State Polytechnic University-Pomona California State University-Fullerton California State University-Long Beach California State University-Los Angeles California State University-Northridge Central State University Florida A&M University (FAMU) Howard University Morgan State University New Mexico State University North Carolina A&T State University Prairie View A&M University Southern University and A&M College Tennessee State University Tuskegee University University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

Boeing also offers a National Merit Scholarship awarded to children of Boeing employees who have been chosen as National Merit Scholarship winners.

Women in Aviation, International Scholarships

Despite the organisation's name, Women in Aviation, International offers aviation training scholarships to men and women. The organisation offers a variety of aviation scholarships each year, including 22 pilot training specific scholarships. Its Airbus A320 Type Rating Certificate Scholarships are for existing pilots looking to expand their training. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree, a commercial pilot certificate, an instrument rating, a certified flight instructor certificate, and a multi-engine rating. These two scholarships of £20,150 each are awarded. The Anne Baddour Scholarship is for female students who want to become professional pilots, and the award is £1,300 each year. The organisation offers several other scholarships, but applicants, including men, must be members of Women in Aviation, International.